How often do you take your dog to the vet for shots?

[Mugen123]

I do it every summer, but my friend told me it's actually better to do it every 2 years despite what the vet says... is there any truth to this?

[Mugen123]

no one has an opinion on this?

[sandy_beach]

It's all a lie... Your pet doesn't need shots every year or two years. They should be getting them as little as possible. What you should be doing is getting a test done at your vet which tests antibodies etc. That will tell you for sure if a dog really needs a certain shot. As long as your dog is healthy there should be no need to give a dog any vaccines at all despite what the vet tells you. They tell you that so they can increase profit.

[dibksbgon]

^Above is mostly accurate.

There has been a large turn against pet vaccines because it is believed their immunity lasts a lot longer than the vet and drug companies lead you to believe. A few people I know had their animals gets allergic reactions as well.

Good little summary: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8572826/ns/health-pet_health/t/still-vaccinating-your-pet-every-year/
The thing to take away from this link is the need for an assessment between you and your vet about your animals environment to truly determine what your dog/cat really needs and does not need. My kitties and solely indoor kitties. No other animals. We have not vaccinated them since their second boosters we got after we adopted them.


(My beliefs on pet vaccines are not at all similar to my beliefs on human vaccines, just to clarify...)

[Beachdown]

While the information may be accurate, unfortunately if you travel with your dogs, or have them in daycare or overnight boarding somewhere, you have to have proof of current vaccinations.

[SusanGoldman]

I do it every summer, but my friend told me it's actually better to do it every 2 years despite what the vet says... is there any truth to this?

It really depends on what the shots/vaccination is for. Some vaccines require a booster only every 5 years whereas others a little more frequently. To be honest if you do a rabies boost every 2 years your pet will be more than fine.

[cy21]

initially in the 1st few months of life, they need a few sets of boosters since their immune systems are not fully developed. It really important for them to have the initial shots to prevent them from catching viruses that usually are life threatening to puppies and kittiens (they can be treated by survival rates are low and cost you a fortune).

Then after that really they do not need them EVERY YEAR in my opinion. HOWEVER, it is the LAW to have it EVERY YEAR. so if you get caught you get slapped with a huge ***** fine. Especially if your dog or cat is on the aggressive side, it is best to vaccinate every year for rabies. The dog and cat is not likely going to have rabies unless it attacked by wild animals, but if you dog or cat attacks someone they can take legal actions against you. Usually requires animal control to take away your dog / cat and quarantine him/her for minimum 10 days. As mentioned some dogs and cats have adverse reactions to the vaccine. In the end, it up to the pet owners how often they want to vaccinate their dogs/cat. And to keep in mind it is the law to have them up to date with vaccine and if caught you will face the consequences of fines and such.

[Evil Baby]

While the information may be accurate, unfortunately if you travel with your dogs, or have them in daycare or overnight boarding somewhere, you have to have proof of current vaccinations.

This is the sad truth. I cross the border with my dogs rather frequently, so they need their proof of rabies shot. I just tell my vet no boosters

[Annoy]

hmm, each year

[gnsgroomer]

I take my dogs in for an "exam" each year. Each of my dogs vaccine schedule and bloodwork is determined individually depending on their age/health and risk factors. You can go for a visit, without getting the shots.
Michelle

[BrightLight7]

I take my Boxer to the vet every 1.5 year for the shots. But sometimes dewormation is very necessary for your dog. Don't wait 1 year to deworm your dog.